Last week, I shared about the first novella in the Finding Ever After anthology. I'm grateful that I was able to borrow the second novella in this book, Entanglements by Rachel McMillan, from Kindle Unlimited. I wish I could read the other half of the collection; however, I'm glad that two books exist out there to access!
Book Synopsis
Nic Ricci is a North End piano tuner and part time math tutor who wants nothing more than to compose; but there are few pennies to be found and an ailing father to support.
When a well-paying opportunity arises as a rehearsal pianist for a wealthy heiress giving a recital at the Boston Conservatory, Nic grabs at the chance. He does not, however, anticipate a beautiful, intelligent woman frustratingly accompanied by a chaperone and promised to a brute of a fiance.
Esther Hunisett is trapped by her father’s poor business decisions, her dowry and future attached to a man who will save her family’s estate. With little to barter before her life is signed away to a man she does not love, she exacts a promise so she can perform one last time at a recital of all of her favourite pieces before he spirits her from the city she loves and locks her away in his sprawling upstate manor.
When Nic learns of Esther’s entrapment, he promises to help her find an escape route — and together they plan a strategy as intricate as the chess games they play every afternoon while her chaperone dozes.
To Nic, Esther-- with the long coils of golden hair he sees loosened as she exchanges pins for failed chess moves--is the princess in the tower, entangling him in an unexpected adventure he never imagined.
But every Princess needs a Prince and Nic isn’t sure if he can be anything more than the rusty tin soldier when she needs a white knight and a trusty steed.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
I don't often see retellings of the Rapunzel story, so this was a neat way to envision a more contemporary version of the tale, set in 1920. For chess players and musicians, this novella is a treat as it takes readers into the intellectual pursuits of Nic and Esther. It also provides two additional languages in which they can communicate with each other, exploring what it means to bring your whole self to a relationship. While I was a little uncomfortable with how far their relationship progressed while Esther was still engaged, I appreciated that the characters still strove to do the right thing in the midst of feeling trapped in their situation.
The analogies between the chessboard and the relational maneuverings added a layer of depth to this retelling. The twists and turns that Nic and Esther encountered took me on a fun, if not nerve-wracking, adventure. With the help of some kind matchmakers, it is quite lovely to see people rally around them. The Catholic faith is more prevalent in this story (which makes sense given the setting and the characters' background), so that is worth noting. However, it is clear that the story revolves around the themes of being rescued and looking outside oneself for this help. On their own, Nic and Esther would not be able to escape their circumstances. Together, and with God's help, they can surmount the challenges they have faced, including abuse, financial limitations, and societal constraints. Even if the reader is not well-versed in chess or music, Entanglements is a delightful way to escape to Boston and experience a beautiful accompaniment of music, minds, faith, and love.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
Comments
Post a Comment